Definition of peacefulnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word peaceful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of peaceful are calm, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

In what contexts can calm take the place of peaceful?

The synonyms calm and peaceful are sometimes interchangeable, but calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

When could placid be used to replace peaceful?

In some situations, the words placid and peaceful are roughly equivalent. However, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When would serene be a good substitute for peaceful?

The words serene and peaceful can be used in similar contexts, but serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of peaceful?

Although the words tranquil and peaceful have much in common, tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of peaceful In a news conference Sunday, Garcia said the security situation has been peaceful, but warned those who would attempt to sow violence or buy votes that they will be charged. Teresa Cerojano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026 The sketch opened with King Charles III and Queen Camilla enjoying a seemingly peaceful weekend at Balmoral before their royal retreat took an unexpected turn. Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2026 But developments in the region could hardly be further from peaceful. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 However, the school ranked poorly on student acceptance of non-peaceful forms of protest. Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for peaceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaceful
Adjective
  • National Aquarium cams The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, operates a series of cameras of marine animals, including reef sharks, jellyfish and fish in a Pacific coral reef.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 1 June 2026
  • These conditions tend to suppress Atlantic hurricane development, whereas the eastern and central Pacific hurricane seasons are typically more active during strong El Niño events.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • The news was shared this week by Alice Marie Johnson, who was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after being sentenced to life in prison on a nonviolent drug charge in 1996.
    Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The movement is widely considered to be an artistic precursor to the modern BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement promoting nonviolent resistance to Israeli occupation.
    News Desk, Artforum, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These quiet temples attract grown-ups hungry for books that preserve our childhood worlds.
    Myriam Gurba, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Stella Parton is opening up about her late sister Dolly Parton's quiet battle with cancer.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Bedrooms are tranquil and restorative, with clean lines, balconies, and mountain views that create a sense of space.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Located right across the water from Miami, Key Biscayne is filled with tranquil experiences in nature, delicious dining options with incredible views of the water, and even a little bit of history to explore.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Related Stories While onstage before his new film bowed on the first night of the serene Colorado festival, Haigh seemed faintly astonished to be there at all.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Tucked away in a serene corner of West Palm Beach, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens offer a tranquil escape into art and nature.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The original short centered on a young Russian artist who secretly replaced food labels in a Moscow supermarket with pacifist messages, an act that ultimately led to her arrest and the threat of a 10-year prison sentence.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
  • In the decades since then, Japan has largely adopted a pacifist stance that disavows its imperial past.
    Mimi Hanaoka, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These behaviors make having a productive discussion or peaceable relationship untenable.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
  • With no discernable reason beyond intimidation, Hasner approved this staggering waste of taxpayer funds, stifling the First Amendment right of peaceable assembly.
    Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Bedroom Nightstands and Dressers Although bedrooms are meant to be restful areas, surfaces like nightstands and dressers can easily become dumping grounds for random items like water glasses, chargers, and accessories.
    Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Take care and have a restful weekend, Sam Want to send Sam a note?
    Sam Woodward, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peaceful. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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